NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has secured firm assurances from the Russian government that no Kenyan citizens will be forcibly recruited into Russia’s military or security forces.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei announced the commitment on Tuesday following high-level talks with Russia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Vsevolod Tkachenko, in Nairobi.
Dr Sing’oei said the Russian Federation had reiterated its official policy against the involuntary enlistment of foreign nationals amid global concern over reports of migrant recruitment into foreign conflicts.
“I am grateful for the assurances of the Russian Federation of her policy of intolerance towards involuntary recruitment of non-nationals into their security forces,” Sing’oei said.
The meeting brought relief to Kenyans living in Moscow and other Russian cities, following recent reports that some Africans had been coerced into joining Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The two officials also discussed a broad range of bilateral issues, including migration, peace, and mutual cooperation.
Both sides agreed to develop a framework to facilitate safe and lawful migration between Kenya and Russia, especially for students and skilled professionals.
Sing’oei noted that the welfare of Kenyans abroad remains a top foreign policy priority, saying structured migration agreements will help protect citizens from exploitation and trafficking.
“Such bilateral frameworks are essential for protecting our people and ensuring their safety in foreign jurisdictions,” he said.
Welcomed H.E. Vsevolod Tkachenko, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kenya, for a bilateral meeting. We reviewed the current state of our bilateral relations and underscored the mutual desire to deepen engagement in areas of shared benefit. I thanked Russia for her
The talks further provided an opportunity to review the current state of Kenya-Russia relations and identify areas for deeper engagement in trade, education, and technical training.
The PS also commended Russia for its historical solidarity with Africa during the anti-colonial era and its continued support for Kenya in multilateral fora.
On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Sing’oei reiterated Kenya’s call for a negotiated settlement to end the suffering of civilians.
“I requested Ambassador Tkachenko to convey Kenya’s desire to see the conflict resolved through a negotiated process that brings an end to the suffering of innocent populations,” he said.
The engagement with the Russian envoy came days after Sing’oei met Ukraine’s new Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, in Nairobi.
During that meeting, the PS clarified that Kenyan nationals reportedly captured while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war were victims of trafficking and manipulation, lured abroad by false promises of lucrative jobs.
He said the government was in contact with Ukrainian authorities to ensure the affected Kenyans receive consular assistance and are repatriated safely.
“Most of the Kenyans involved were victims of human trafficking, and the government is doing everything possible to protect vulnerable citizens,” Sing’oei said.
